Three sport-crazy teenagers were among 60 young people to attend Newport Live's Levelling the Playing Field session on Friday September 17 in the ethnically diverse but underprivileged suburb of Pillgwenlly in Newport, Gwent. As part of LtPF's 'Youth Voice' month, we caught up with them to ask about the project's impact on their lives.

Kareem Kaid, 13 (pictured above, centre) - Manchester United fan

I enjoy the Newport Live football sessions loads because I'm with friends and I'm enjoying myself and that's what I love. The coaches are important in my life. They're doing us a favour by giving us great activities so we're not out on the streets doing bad stuff.

If I wasn't able to come here on a Friday night I would be doing nothing, just roaming the streets and that's not good for you really, is it? It'd be like during lockdown, when I just played on my computer and was really lazy. After I've played football I just want to go home and chill because it relaxes me.

Hilmee Mohamed, 15 (above, left) - Arsenal fan

The last 18 months have been the worst time of my life. There wasn't anything to do because of the restrictions. It's been quite tough. I was just sitting down playing computer games. I reckon it's got a lot better since the Newport Live sessions came back, especially when you see a lot of new faces and people mixing. It makes it seem like Pill is a better place.

When you walk through Pilgwenny the people you see on the streets can be a bad influence on your life. It's quite tough because they try to persuade you to do these things with them so they can make profit.

Luckily for me I have a supportive family who always makes sure I'm going to school and doing OK. I feel secure because of them. Other kids may not have that.

This Friday football helps me in case I feel stress or if I need some space. We all love the session and when it's not on I feel quite down.

I've been coming to these sessions since I was eight years old and I also must give a shout out to NYSA [Newport Youth Soccer Association] where I go on Saturdays. The Newport Live coaches are my biggest role models. If I need anything they will support me.

Raheed Ali, 14 (top pic, right) - Manchester United fan

I love coming down here to the 3G pitch at Pill Mill and having lots of fun. The coaches are excellent, man. You can trust them with stuff. They are role models. They help you in so many ways and can be there for you when you need them.

If this wasn't happening I'd probably just be in the house or on the streets. It makes a big difference because it helps me go down the right path in life and it helps me develop my football.

During lockdown I was really bored and I had nothing to do, but since it's finished it's got a lot better.

Man United are the best team in the world, they're gonna win the treble!

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Lucy Donovan, Senior Development Officer for Newport Live's Positive Futures project, said: "In youth work, sport can act as that tool to engage with young people and offer them alternative, positive routes to take in life, away from the negative influences that surround them. With Newport Live's Positive Futures programme, we join with our partners to put a support package together for young people and offer them opportunities. Without those, it's very difficult for them to succeed in life."

Rudro Sen, Project Lead on Levelling the Playing Field, said: "It's great to see up-close the impact that our local delivery partners Newport Live are making on the lives of ethnically diverse young people in Pillgwellny. After such a tough time during the pandemic, they're now able to get active by accessing sport led by positive role models, it's happening on their doorstep and isn't costing a penny. We saw from meeting the participants the effect it's having on them personally and the community."  

• Karim, Hilmee, Raheed and Lucy also spoke to ITV Wales who visited Pillgwellny to report on the impact sport and physical activity can have on the lives of young people who may be at risk of becoming involved in crime. Dragons and Wales stars Leon Brown and Ashton Hewitt, who are from the area, also attended. You can watch the ITV report here.